🚨 BREAKING: Mom, 28, Shot and Killed in Ride‑Share Vehicle Days Before Mother’s Day and Her Daughter’s 4th Birthday — Investigation Underway 🚓💔

A tragic incident in Rio de Janeiro has left a family devastated after 28-year-old Thamires Rodrigues de Souza Peixoto was fatally shot while riding in a ride-share vehicle just days before her daughter’s fourth birthday and a planned Mother’s Day celebration.

Peixoto, a mother-of-two, was traveling as a passenger in a ride-share car on Thursday, May 7, when an occupant of another vehicle opened fire. The driver of the ride-share vehicle told police that the shooter, later identified as an off-duty police officer, fired at their car before fleeing the scene. The bullet struck Peixoto in the back, and despite being rushed to a nearby hospital in Cidade de Deus, she did not survive her injuries.

The heartbreaking loss came just one day before Peixoto was scheduled to attend a Mother’s Day celebration at her children’s school, which was subsequently postponed out of respect for the family. The school, Colégio Interativo GPI, issued a statement expressing their sorrow: “It is with deep regret that we inform you that our school received the sad news today of the passing of the mother of two of our students.”

Her funeral took place on Saturday, May 9 — the same day her youngest daughter turned four years old, marking a tragic milestone for the grieving family.

Police Officer Arrested as Suspected Shooter

Authorities quickly identified the shooter as police officer Frede Uilson Souza de Jesus, who was arrested the following day, May 8. Investigators believe the incident stemmed from a dispute between the ride-share driver and another vehicle, in which de Jesus, allegedly acting out of frustration, fired at the car. The bullet went through the rear window of the ride-share vehicle, fatally wounding Peixoto.

The shooting was captured on security footage, which led to the identification of the police officer’s vehicle, a white car. De Jesus voluntarily presented himself at the police station after a temporary arrest warrant was issued. An internal investigation has been launched, and the officer has been removed from his duties.

A Grieving Family

Peixoto is survived by her husband and two young daughters. The family is left to cope with the devastating loss of a mother, who had so much ahead of her, and who had been looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with her family. The tragedy has brought sadness not only to her loved ones but also to the wider community that knew her.

As the investigation continues, many are left to reflect on the senseless violence that stole a young mother’s life just before she could celebrate significant moments with her family.